Bus Transportation

We are looking forward to having your child ride the school bus! We are proud of the staff and bus drivers who are a part of our Transportation Department. They are committed to the safety of every child. WCS has 112 school buses, all of which are equipped with cameras, and the buses transport about 5,100 students a day to and from school. In a year's time, our buses travel 1,532,327 miles!

To find out the school in your attendance zone, visit this link WebQuery School Zones or call the Bus Garage at (252) 399-7838.

How do I find out my child’s bus stop information, including bus number and stop times?

This information can be found here - Bus Routes (coming soon for 2018-2019). Student bus schedule information is also distributed to the schools. You should contact the school your child attends for this information.

My child is not assigned to a bus. How do I get my child assigned to a bus and how long will it take?

You should contact the school your child will be attending, and they will assist you in completing a Bus Assignment Slip to send to the TIMS Department. It should take no more than two business days, depending on the assignment requested.

Can I request a different bus than the one my child is assigned to?In order for a child to ride a bus other than the one he/she is assigned to, a special assignment must be made by the principal. Parents need to meet with the principal and fill out this form - Special Bus Assignment.

We have moved and I need to change my child’s address.

Contact the school your child attends for assistance and to complete the necessary paperwork.

How far can I expect my child to walk to the bus stop?

State Board Policy states that stops should be no closer than .2 of a mile.

My child’s bus has not shown up and/or is consistently late. Who can I call?

The parent should contact the school the child attends.

The bus did not show up on time for my child. How long should he or she wait at the stop?

Your child should arrive at the stop at least ten minutes before the regular arrival time of the bus. If there is a substitute driver, the times may not be absolutely consistent with the regular times. If the bus is late, ask your child to remain at the stop. Buses break down, roads are blocked, drivers become ill or have emergencies, but there will always be a bus at every stop. If the wait becomes extreme, please call your assigned school.

Can my child stay inside the house until the bus arrives at the bus stop each morning?

It is the parent’s responsibility to have the students at the designated bus stop waiting for the bus.

Can my child be picked up or dropped off at a daycare or place of business?

No. We do not make stops at daycares or places of business.

What do I do if I need my child to be picked up or dropped off temporarily at another location other than their assigned stop?

Stop location must be a current stop. You need to fill out a Special School Bus Assignment form at your child’s assigned school.

Can school buses travel on private streets?

School buses can only travel on state-maintained roads or currently approved subdivisions.

Is transportation provided for students who do not live in the attendance area for the school they attend?

No. If your child attends school out of district, transportation is not provided.

Who do I contact regarding a discipline issue concerning my child while on the school bus?

Contact the bus coordinator or principal at your child’s school.

Why are buses sometimes late?

School bus drivers can have the same reasons as motorists for being late. Traffic delays, trains, weather conditions, accidents or driver’s illness are just a few reasons. School buses also have mechanical breakdowns or “no starts” that cause delays in picking students up on time. In cases where the regularly assigned bus or driver is unable to pick up students, a separate bus and driver are dispatched to pick up the students as quickly as possible.

Why do schools have different bell schedules?

In order to maximize the use of our school bus fleet and to provide a more efficient operation with as few buses as possible, schools are put into distinctly different time schedules.

Always walk on the sidewalk to the bus stop, never run. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left facing traffic.

Go to the bus stop about ten minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. While at the bus stop, wait quietly in a safe place well away from the road. Do not run and play while waiting.

Getting On and Off the Bus

Enter the bus in line with younger students in front. Hold the handrail while going up and down the stairs.

When entering the bus, go directly to a seat. Remain seated and face forward during the entire ride.

Riding the Bus

Always speak quietly on the bus so the bus driver will not be distracted. Always be silent when a bus comes to a railroad crossing so the driver can hear if a train is coming.

Never throw things on the bus or out of the windows. Keep the aisles clear at all times. Feet should be directly in front of you on the floor and book bags should be kept on your lap. Large instruments or sports equipment should not block the aisle or emergency exits.

Never play with the emergency exits. Large instruments or sports equipment should not block the aisle or exits.

If there is an emergency, listen to the driver and follow instructions.

Hands should be kept to yourself at all times while riding on the bus. Fighting and picking on others creates a dangerous bus ride.

Exiting the Bus

If you leave something on the bus, never return to the bus to get it. The driver may not see you come back and they may begin moving the bus. Make sure that drawstrings and other loose objects are secure before getting off the bus so that they do not get caught on the handrail or the door.

Respect the "Danger Zone" which surrounds all sides of the bus. The "Danger Zone" is ten feet wide on all sides of the bus. Always remain ten steps away from the bus to be out of the "Danger Zone" and where the driver can see you.

Always cross the street in front of the bus. Never go behind the bus. If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver before you attempt to pick it up, so the driver will know where you are.

Never speak to strangers at the bus stop and never get into the car with a stranger. Always go straight home and tell your parents if a stranger tries to talk to you or pick you up.

Wilson County Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, marital or parental status, in admission, to access, to treatment in its programs and activities. This website endeavors to comply with best practices and standards defined by Section 508 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act. If you are having accessibility concerns, please contact us at 252-399-7712.